Category: Union News

  When Local 793’s Mark Chapman met his now wife while working as a general labourer on jobsites, he couldn’t have known exactly how his life would soon be transformed. As luck would have it, Brother Chapman’s soon-to-be father-in-law was a crane operator, and he quickly got to work convincing the young man to drop the shovel and change his career path. “Yes, I started out as a labourer, but my father-in-law was a crane operator, and he got me thinking about becoming an Operating Engineer. I did the apprenticeship […]

 

When Local 793’s Mark Chapman met his now wife while working as a general labourer on jobsites, he couldn’t have known exactly how his life would soon be transformed.

As luck would have it, Brother Chapman’s soon-to-be father-in-law was a crane operator, and he quickly got to work convincing the young man to drop the shovel and change his career path.

“Yes, I started out as a labourer, but my father-in-law was a crane operator, and he got me thinking about becoming an Operating Engineer. I did the apprenticeship and went from there.”

It’s a decision that has paid off in spades for Brother Chapman, who is now a senior Operating Engineer and union steward with McNally. He is currently working on a sewer and watermain project at Highway 27 in Woodbridge.

While he says that those early years gave him valuable insight into how a jobsite operates, his advice to any young person thinking of becoming an Operating Engineer today is to start as early as possible.

“Get in as young as you can be. It’s a lot easier when you’re younger to learn the skills you need to be a better operator.”

Whatever role he has played on site, the thrill of completing a project has never worn off for the 10-year member.

“You get satisfaction at being good at the job and it’s great finishing a project and knowing how big a part of it you were.”

  Local 793 members are working on Toronto’s Pinnacle One Yonge project. The ongoing construction of this three-tower residential development will soon produce the tallest building in the country. The “SkyTower” will stand at 105 storeys, putting it on track to become the world’s tenth-tallest residential building. Travis Schmidt, a Local 793 member since 2011, said, “I’ve done mostly high rise for the past 20 years, and I get to see all of my work every day from 100km away. I can drive anywhere and be like ‘I worked on […]

 

Local 793 members are working on Toronto’s Pinnacle One Yonge project. The ongoing construction of this three-tower residential development will soon produce the tallest building in the country. The “SkyTower” will stand at 105 storeys, putting it on track to become the world’s tenth-tallest residential building.

Travis Schmidt, a Local 793 member since 2011, said, “I’ve done mostly high rise for the past 20 years, and I get to see all of my work every day from 100km away. I can drive anywhere and be like ‘I worked on that.’

Sebastian Link, a concrete pump apprentice, finds satisfaction in the job and the people he works with. But when faced with challenges, he says it is important to “keep a level head and understand your role as you work your way up.”

Other Local 793 members working on the Pinnacle One Yonge project include concrete pump operator Joshua Fulford and tower crane operator Jacob Cowl.

 

MembersHealth has informed us that following a recent update to its app, an issue has been identified that may be impacting our members’ ability to book appointments with physicians and mental health professionals. If you experience any difficulties accessing the MembersHealth app, please use the following alternative methods to schedule your appointments: Phone Express Care (24/7): 1-800-484-0152 Website: membershealth.ca/book MembersHealth has assured us that it is working quickly to resolve the issue.

MembersHealth has informed us that following a recent update to its app, an issue has been identified that may be impacting our members’ ability to book appointments with physicians and mental health professionals.

If you experience any difficulties accessing the MembersHealth app, please use the following alternative methods to schedule your appointments:

• Phone Express Care (24/7): 1-800-484-0152
• Website: membershealth.ca/book

MembersHealth has assured us that it is working quickly to resolve the issue.

The Union has reached an exciting new milestone – our membership has surpassed 20,000 strong! Let’s continue to stand strong, raise our voices, and fight for the changes we deserve. The journey ahead is bright, and we know that with this unity, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

The Union has reached an exciting new milestone – our membership has surpassed 20,000 strong! Let’s continue to stand strong, raise our voices, and fight for the changes we deserve. The journey ahead is bright, and we know that with this unity, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

Mohamed “Mighty Moe” Zawadi, a boxer sponsored by Local 793, made a special visit to the head office in Oakville on Monday to display his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Junior Super Middleweight championship belt. Zawadi (10-1, 9KO) earned the title on November 24, 2024, after defeating Rodolfo Ezequiel Martinez (44-12-3, 16 KO) of Argentina by knockout in the second round at the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto. Seen in the photo below are (L to R) President Dave Turple, Business Manager Mike Gallagher, Moe Zawadi, Toronto Area Supervisor Justin […]

Mohamed “Mighty Moe” Zawadi, a boxer sponsored by Local 793, made a special visit to the head office in Oakville on Monday to display his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Junior Super Middleweight championship belt.

Zawadi (10-1, 9KO) earned the title on November 24, 2024, after defeating Rodolfo Ezequiel Martinez (44-12-3, 16 KO) of Argentina by knockout in the second round at the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto.

Seen in the photo below are (L to R) President Dave Turple, Business Manager Mike Gallagher, Moe Zawadi, Toronto Area Supervisor Justin O’Neill, and boxing manager/promoter Lee Baxter.

At 23 years old, the Barrie-born Zawadi is a four-time Canadian national amateur champion and the 2019 gold medalist at the Canada Winter Games in Alberta.

A proud son of Local 793 member Mashour (Mark) Zawadi, Moe is part of a strong union family. His brother Hussein, uncles Sheher, Mohamed, Abdul, and cousin Alexander are all also members of Local 793.

Follow Moe Zawadi on social media:
Instagram: @moeezawadi
Facebook: @moe.zawadi.3

Business reps, organizers and staff took part in the Brad May Celebrity Hockey Classic in support of Easter Seals at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville on Friday, Dec. 6. Local 793 entered two teams in the three-game tournament, drafting Tampa Bay Lightning’s 1994 Stanley Cup-winning tough guy, André Roy, and Chicago Blackhawks legend and 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Jeremy Roenick. Local 793 has been a long-time supporter of Easter Seals Ontario, raising more than $282,600 for the charity since first taking part in the tournament in 2014. […]

Business reps, organizers and staff took part in the Brad May Celebrity Hockey Classic in support of Easter Seals at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville on Friday, Dec. 6.

Local 793 entered two teams in the three-game tournament, drafting Tampa Bay Lightning’s 1994 Stanley Cup-winning tough guy, André Roy, and Chicago Blackhawks legend and 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Jeremy Roenick.

Local 793 has been a long-time supporter of Easter Seals Ontario, raising more than $282,600 for the charity since first taking part in the tournament in 2014. This year, members of the two teams raised $71,062.

Easter Seals Ontario provides children and youth with physical disabilities the tools they need to reach their full potential and make their own positive impact on the world.

On December 19, 1919, Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers was granted its charter by General President Milton Snellings, just eight days after eleven men met at the Elliott House Hotel in Toronto to improve their working conditions. Led by International Representative Frank Healey, they wrote a letter requesting a charter to form a new local chapter for hoisting engineers. General President Snellings approved the request, and IUOE Local 793 was officially established. Now, 105 years later, the legacy of their dedication continues, as members of IUOE […]

On December 19, 1919, Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers was granted its charter by General President Milton Snellings, just eight days after eleven men met at the Elliott House Hotel in Toronto to improve their working conditions. Led by International Representative Frank Healey, they wrote a letter requesting a charter to form a new local chapter for hoisting engineers.

General President Snellings approved the request, and IUOE Local 793 was officially established.

Now, 105 years later, the legacy of their dedication continues, as members of IUOE Local 793 continue to benefit from the sacrifices and foresight of their founding members. Their commitment to improving working conditions and securing fair wages has positively impacted thousands of families and will continue for generations.

Let us honour their sacrifices and build on Local 793’s enduring legacy.

Click the video below to reflect on the Union’s last five years as we celebrate its 105th anniversary.

On behalf of the officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I would like to wish all members and their families a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. May your celebrations be filled with happiness and prosperity. The holiday season is a time to pause and reflect on all the work you’ve accomplished over the year and the efforts you’ve made to ensure the success and growth of our Union. Your unwavering commitment and solidarity are the pillars that […]

On behalf of the officers, executive board and staff of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I would like to wish all members and their families a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. May your celebrations be filled with happiness and prosperity.

The holiday season is a time to pause and reflect on all the work you’ve accomplished over the year and the efforts you’ve made to ensure the success and growth of our Union. Your unwavering commitment and solidarity are the pillars that strengthen our Brotherhood and Sisterhood, and for that, I am honoured and grateful.

I remain confident that, united, we will continue to surpass expectations and achieve even more significant achievements in 2025.

Merry Christmas from Local 793 to you and yours!

Fraternally,

Mike Gallagher
Local 793 Business Manager

Please be advised that Local 793 offices will be closed on Monday, December 23, 2024, for the Holidays and will resume office hours on Monday, January 6, 2025. Happy Holidays to all!

Please be advised that Local 793 offices will be closed on Monday, December 23, 2024, for the Holidays and will resume office hours on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Happy Holidays to all!

Today marks the 128th anniversary of the International Union of Operating Engineers, when eleven determined steam engineers set in motion the formation of what would become, and remains today, one of the strongest labour unions fighting for working men and women in North America. The officers and executive board members of Local 793 congratulate the IUOE in achieving this milestone. IUOE represents more than 400,000 members in 123 Locals across the United States and Canada, fighting for safer working conditions and fair wages, and helping thousands of families have a […]

Today marks the 128th anniversary of the International Union of Operating Engineers, when eleven determined steam engineers set in motion the formation of what would become, and remains today, one of the strongest labour unions fighting for working men and women in North America.

The officers and executive board members of Local 793 congratulate the IUOE in achieving this milestone.

IUOE represents more than 400,000 members in 123 Locals across the United States and Canada, fighting for safer working conditions and fair wages, and helping thousands of families have a better tomorrow. IUOE Local 793 is proud and honoured to be part of International Union of Operating Engineers!